I’m not one for holiday romances but when I seen that it was written by Tessa Bailey I knew I had to read it.

This was the cutest Christmas romance EVERR! Tessa has done the grumpy X sunshine trope right. I love how Stella and Aiden were complete opposites but complemented each other so well.

Can we talk about bow ties for a second?? Never been a fan of them before but now I think I’m attracted to men who wear bow ties.

Although this book took place in current times it still came across as old fashioned. The characters were fine and the hero had some depth to him. He seemed a bit too good to be true at first but became more real. The boss/employee dynamic is always a hard trope to navigate . The added layer of the heroine being a felon made it even ickier. Overall it was a pleasant but unmemorable read.

This was so cute! I loved the characters and how festive and fun it was! I would totally recommend this to everyone, not just Tessa Bailey fans.

It is safe to say I'm deep in the Tessa Bailey rabbit whole. Like who does she know how to write the perfect characters. Like can they be real cause your girl is single over here..... Now back to why were all here the review. This book is a must read. Do your self a favor get your favorite warm drink and devour this book. 11/10 worth the read!

Window Shopping was funny and so much fun to read, but the ending was a bit meh for me unfortunately

I was excited to read this book because I love Tessa Bailey but unfortunately this one wasn’t for me. Was it a quick, cute, fun read….yes. However deeper elements of Stella, our FMC, as she just got out of prison after four years and she’s dealing with depression while finding her footing in the big world snd trying to navigate the toxic relationship with her “best friend Nicole” who got her in trouble to begin with. These elements weren’t handled well or with care and wrapped up like it’s not hard to come out of prison and live your life. This bothered me on a lot of levels and it took joy away from the rest of the books. When the deep conversations started they just wrapped up too quick and neat.

But if you want a holiday read with stellar windows this is your book.

This was absolutely adorable. I loved Stella and Aiden’s story. Literally. Her 2nd chance on life and his chance to be happy and feel happiness. The perfect holiday romance. Sport and sweet for the holidays.

This book is just what I need this time of year. It let me forget about all the planning that needs to be done for the holidays.

This was an opposites attract romance. I love it when the MMC is just so gone over his love interest that he forgets what he's doing. Aiden was a really cute, rich guy who was gone for Stella, but still honorable enough to protect her. Protective guys get me every time.

Stella was also very likeable. She is recently released from prison and trying to find her way. She just didn't have any idea that her way would be blocked by a bowtie wearing department store owner that likes to carry her around and even come to her rescue.

Window Shopping is full of hope and wonder. Loved it!

Thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the copy.

This book features an odd combination of characters that somehow come together to make a classic Tessa Bailey story! Aiden is the manager of a high end store in NYC and after a chance run in with a beautiful stranger, he offers her a shot as the window decorator for their store.

Stella has recently been released from prison and is struggling to understand why this charming and nerdy manager wants to give her a shot. This duo is a true opposites attract as prickly Stella falls for the geeky and charming Aiden.

Though it is a rather odd mix of things, this made for a fun holiday read! 🎁

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this novel. It’s packed with spice, and as someone who loves a story with some heat, this book delivered! The intensity of the characters’ interactions made the story both exciting and deeply engaging.

What stood out to me was how the narrative felt both simple and intricate at the same time. It captured the layers of emotions and the struggles of navigating relationships beautifully. The balance between straightforward storytelling and the complexity of human connections was masterful.

The way the book explored the challenges of working together and being together was so authentic and relatable. It’s a reminder of how rewarding, yet demanding, relationships can be. Overall, this was an engaging and enjoyable read that kept me hooked from start to finish!

Tropes:
*Christmas romance
*Workplace romance
*Forced proximity
*Black Cat/Golden Retriever (Grumpy Girl/Sunshine Guy)

Something I really liked about this story was that it was able to provide a Christmas setting and feel without feeling like a Hallmark-cheesy romance story. The only Christmas magic was a great chance-meeting between Aiden, the Vivant store owner, and Stella, an ex-con with a strong opinion on the store’s current window display and no knowledge of who owns it. There was a great storyline between the main characters. I loved the balance they provided each other. With Stella, grudgingly at first, coming to look forward to and enjoy Aiden’s optimism and sunshine. While Aiden learned from Stella to set some boundaries with others in his life. I will admit at first, I wondered how Tessa was going to make our bowtie loving, always sunny hero spicy but she absolutely delivered, just as she always does. And the juxtaposition of his bowties with his intensity was very appreciated. Aiden was fantastic. He wanted to help her but knew she wanted to earn her place in the world and believed in her to do it when given the chance. I was rooting for Stella the entire time, hoping she would finally see herself as worthy and capable of the good things she was getting in her life. I always enjoy Tessa’s writing and this was no exception. A fun start to my holiday season!
Thank you Netgalley and Avon Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was, unfortunately, not my favorite Tessa Bailey book. While it does have a certain Christmas spirit to it the story in general just did not pull me in. The banter, or lack thereof, was cringey at best and the spice was also super awkward.

I just didn't vibe with this book like I have with some of her others.

this was such a cute read for the holiday season! I adore tessa bailey books and this was another to add to my favs! opposites attracts with the holiday season what else could you ask for? Sweet and heartwarming and a book to add to your holiday season reads

This book is such a great opposites attract romance. It's fairly short so it's a quick read! It's very very spicy!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I knew I wasn't a fan of Tessa Bailey, but I wasn't ready to write her off just yet. I like to give authors a few tries before I decide they are not for me. Well, it is official. Tessa Bailey is not for me.

Found the characters in this story to be moving way too fast, especially in the beginning. It gets a little better toward the middle, but then we are given cringey "spice" scenes instead. The phrase "I want her to milk me" made me literally throw my ipad.

Overall, this book was all smut, no plot, with the word Christmas thrown in a few times. I tried, I really did. I even finished when I wanted to DNF from the first page. Not worth it imo.

This book was a lot of fun to read. Lived the setting being a store in NY & Stella, the FMC, being a window designer. Those are always so much fun to look at in NYC, especially at Christmas time. Aiden was a great MMC. The chemistry between the two of them was fun to read. Highly recommend this one to get into the holiday spirit!

Thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

A cute, sweet and heartwarming story perfect for the holidays. Tessa Bailey has a beautiful knack for the right blend of spice and sweetness, like a PG-13 Hallmark movie.

In true Tessa Bailey fashion, this story is so cute. I love a MMC who is a total goner for his stubborn, trying her best girl and this book is no exception. The side characters were also so great - I loved Jordyn and Edna and Seamus. It's also great how Stella's "bad friend" wasn't villified at the end, but instead also grew into a better person rather that used as a plot device to show Stella is better. I love when narrative shows we can all grow and no one is truly bad or good, most of us are a gradient of both. All that plus Christmas? Delightful.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Opposites attract in this steamy and fun read!

Stella and Aiden couldn’t be more different but they can’t help the instant attraction they feel towards each other. When life throws Stella a second chance, she starts designing window displays for an upscale store. Aiden is the manager. He’s sunshine and so positive, but there are rules they have to follow and he’s a good guy. Except in the bedroom, which he lets Stella know.

I loved this book and everything Tessa Bailey writes! this was such a quick and fun holiday romance and I will definitely be reading it again to get in the holiday spirit!

📘: Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
🗓️: October 1, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley, Tessa Bailey, and Avon Harper & Voyager for this ARC!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*Reviewed on NetGalley, Amazon, and Goodreads.

Tessa Bailey never disappoints! This Holiday rom-com checks all the boxes for sweet and spicy. Such an enjoyable read!